Below is feedback received from some of our member districts on how KEDC's Instructional Technology PD programs are impacting teaching and learning:
CLARK COUNTY
"Our experience with KEDC's technology PD trainings have been remarkable. At Strode Station Elementary we had a physical building loaded with technology that was, basically, either not being used or not being used to it's fullest potential. Like many schools, there was also a bright young batch of new(ish) teachers who were not at Strode when the initial wave of interactive classroom technology trainings took place at the time of installation. So, these new(ish) teachers were uncertain of how to put the technology to use for their students.
KEDC worked with us to schedule one on one, embedded PD for those new(ish) teachers. What we found is that those teachers have excelled into technology leaders in their buildings. As a result, other teachers have become more inclined to reinvest in the available technologies in their own classrooms. Requests for help to our Technology Resource Teachers have also increased significantly since Tiffaney has worked with our teachers at Strode. Speaking with the principal, who is also every pleased with the ongoing results, we agree that KEDC ignited a spark in Strode Station's teachers that started with the original group participating in those focused PD's. The enthusiasm created from there spread across grades and content areas…now we're seeing an instructional technology renaissance at Strode.
From the point of view of the technology leader for the district, I could not be more pleased with the results we're reaping from our partnership with KEDC. As a district with three full time Technology Resource Teachers on staff, that specialness of working with KEDC and knowing that TRTs are readily available to provide ongoing support has, I think, empowered our teachers to grow in their confidence for integrating great technology usage and upped their willingness to incorporate instructional technology into their planning.
On the topic of planning, an additional benefit of our partnership with KEDC has been the increased focus on tying the new Common Core Standards into curriculum utilizing the available instructional technology. In short, integrating tech into learning is becoming more of a natural part of lesson planning…where 6 months ago technology use was still considered a "project."
We have thoroughly enjoyed our time working with the trainers from KEDC. Tiffaney has proven to be more than just an outside trainer, but really is viewed as more of an extended staff member. Our teachers know that she is available to guide them even after her contracted time in Strode was over. Now we're continuing our partnership with KEDC at another grade school and our high school math department. I have no doubt that those schools will experience the same high level of embedded professional development as we've already seen at Strode Station."
- Jeff Sebulsky, CIO
Clark County Schools
ROWAN COUNTY
I was VERY novice about using technology in the classroom until I attended both your job embedded PD and the workshop. As a result of your trainings (and your patience with me J) I now have confidence in using many aspects of technology. As a matter of fact, I am turning into a “techno-nerd” of sorts!
Because of your trainings:
I can create, edit and use SmartNotebook lessons within my classroom. I can even troubleshoot, somewhat. This alone has been valuable to nth degree with my kids. Remember, I didn’t even know how to turn on a Smartboard over a year ago…
I can add photos, word documents, video clips (khan Academy) and links thru Symbaloo etc to my Schoolpointe page which provides at home access for both students and parents for studying purposes. This aids in parent involvement.
I have created a blog that I used at the beginning of the year to differentiate with my accelerated students. I plan to continue with it next year.
I can proficiently use Smart Response system to provide immediate feedback to both myself and my students progress on particular concepts. I can also use Polleverywhere and Wallwisher for these purposes.
I can use Geogebra in my classroom as an interactive way to teach math (I used it to reinforce inequalities and the kids loved it).
I can create, edit and embed a Prezi to use as an instructional aid to teach a particular concept.
I can create a podcast to use as a tutorial for my kids. Next year, I want my accelerated kids to create podcasts of particular concepts to help remediate my struggling kids.
I can use Edmodo and Wikispaces as a means to network with other teachers.
I can use an Ipad to search for apps that can be used in my classroom.
I am absolutely thrilled at the progress I have made this year in technology. I look forward to the continued learning and the continued applications that these products have within my classroom. I owe my growth to the job embedded PD and the workshop. I hope there will be more opportunities for me to learn and grow next year!"
- Lynette Gillespie, 7th Grade Math Teacher
Rowan County Middle School
"The teachers have been so pleased with the information they have received during their trainings this year, they have requested additional trainings during our summer Technology Day that we organize as well as additional embedded PD during the coming school year. By working with the teachers IN their classrooms, they feel more confident and comfortable in using the strategies and techniques learned after Mike and Tiffaney are no longer there with them."
- Lucy Moore, Instructional Supervisor
Rowan County Schools
LEWIS COUNTY
"Our district had invested a lot of money into technology in the classroom. Upon taking the position of Director of Federal Programs for the 2009-2010 school year, I quickly realized we had a need for an ongoing training program.
In fall of 2009, I saw a presentation by Tiffaney at a KEDC supt meeting and decided that to not spend money on training would make much of the investment for technology hardware a waste.
The first trainings in the district were school-wide and differentiated based on level each teacher was at. In our work during the three years, we have moved towards a coaching model, where Tiffaney provides individual instruction for each teacher. Tiffaney has also moved more towards providing support to teachers in the use of blogging, EdMoto, Smart math tools and other internet and software-based tools.
Without Tiffaney’s support in acquisition, software updates and ongoing support I am confident our state of technology use would be far behind where it is."
- Kevin Duff, Director of Federal Programs
Lewis County Schools
"Tiffaney Lavoie and the technology and instructional content professional development sessions she has brought to me have been the best I’ve experienced in my career. What I have learned about how to enhance my lessons and how to make them more engaging for my students has been career-changing. Because of the resources Tiffaney has been able to provide me with, I do not work as long or as hard to prepare my units or lessons.
The work she has done in our county has been tremendous! We went from one of the most technology weak districts in the area, to one of the top! I am pleased to see the advancements in equipment and in staff knowledge and experiences, all a result of Tiffaney’s work with Lewis County. She has a vision for our county and we are fortunate to have her on our side!
Most recently, I have been attending the RMTW workshops. Wow…what I have learned how to do and what I have been able to bring back to my colleagues has been super! Not only does Tiffaney just show me how to utilize the technology tools, but she also shows me how to come back and deliver PD to our building and district staff, so we get more bang for the $. For example, in the most recent PD session for Tiffaney to present at TES, she was unable to attend, but without any notice, I was able to step in and deliver PD to our teachers, simply using the resources and knowledge I had gained from my small group sessions with Tiffaney.
Honestly, I can’t remember how I did my job before using the tools and resources Tiffaney and KEDC has shared with me. She has made me a better teacher, and a better learner. I look forward to continuing to work with KEDC."
- Crystal Thayer, Tollesboro Elementary School
Lewis County Schools
"The workshops have given me the opportunity to grow as an educator in an area where I have always felt my skills were weak. I have incorporated everything that I have learned during our sessions into my instruction to some degree. As a result, I feel that I have become more effective in the classroom. I have appreciated the opportunity to expand my knowledge, develop new skills and communicate with other educators about what I have learned."
- Sharon Gatherwright, Teacher
Lewis County Central Elementary
BOYD COUNTY
"I want to say that this has been one of the best professional development experiences I have had. I learned many new things that I was able to use immediatly in my classroom with great success.
Using the blog in my math class has been wonderful this year. The children are so engaged in the lessons when they know they will get to post answers to the blog. Blog challenge days are some of my kids favorites. Even the most hard to engage students get excited and work hard during blog challenge days. I plan to expand my blog next year to include more subjects.
I also had great success with geogebra and plan to use it even more next year. I am just getting started with prezis, but really like them.
I am sharing what I have learned with the teachers at my school and they seem very excited to learn even more. "
- Jennifer Miller, Fourth Grade Teacher
Summit Elementary
Boyd County Schools
KNOX COUNTY
"Knox County was a hosting district for the Regional Math Technology Workshop this year provided by KEDC. We started with people that have been working on curriculum revisions and included people from all schools and all grades. In the past we have paid staff members to mentor other teachers in their schools. With this training, teachers were so excited that they asked to share ideas with other staff. The first day of the training, teachers were introduced to Blogging and Edmodo. That night I was invited to several teachers sites. Although we did not need to use it this year, our district was accepted into the Snow Bound Project. Virtual snow packets were created by most teachers. On our Math Blast night (a family night to promote Math achievement) several teachers used this time with community and parents to share websites and resources with parents.
Being in our district eliminated travel costs and enabled staff to do morning/afternoon bus duty or take care of their own children.
We included people with various abilities with technology. However, you were able to address the differences experiences and grade levels by having a range of activities.
Teachers want something they can use now. Teachers need different technologies to reach students. Both of these needs were addressed by this."
- Pam Williams, Instructional Supervisor
Knox County Schools
CARTER COUNTY
"KEDC has been a tremendous help with using our instructional technology. Having someone come in a regular basis to work with the technical set-up, learning to use the technology, and using it with my students has really benefitted me in my teaching. With the assistance of KEDC, I have been able to learn technology that I have not used before and teach with it in a way that increases student engagement. Also, having someone to plan upcoming new technology endeavors is really valuable. We really like working with KEDC."
-Christina Dornon
Science Teacher
East Carter High School
HENDERSON COUNTY
"The math teachers on our Henderson County training team are excited about using the ‘new’ Web 2.0 programs they’ve learned through the KEDC workshop series this year. Each teacher has reported an increased level of engagement of their students in math classroom activities. Since most of the tools are free and immediately useful, the teachers have been able to begin implementing the workshop ideas right away. The tools can be used across content areas, so these math teachers have shared their knowledge with other teacher teams in their buildings.
It is my hope that these trainings will have a ‘trickle-down effect’ until teachers across the district in all content areas are learning to engage their students in the same manner."
- Linda Payne, CIO
Henderson County Schools
"I really believe the math technology workshop and integration of technology resources have been a great success. When I walked into our alternative school and went to a secondary math teacher’s classroom I saw students engaged in learning. Students were working on tasks at the computers, in pairs and one-on-one with the teacher. What’s great is they are eager to show outsiders what they are learning and have learned. Not only in that class but in other classrooms their instructors tell me the students ask to use their Edmodo course when they are finished with their work. Secondly, I have seen special needs students engage with the tools at our local high school as well."
- Richard Hilton, Technology Integration Specialist
Henderson County Schools
"I have truly enjoyed the Regional Math Technology Workshop sessions. They are, by far, my favorite workshop sessions to date, and I’ve been teaching 15 years. I am a ‘techie’ by heart and have wanted to use more technology in my math classroom. RMTW has not only exposed me to more innovative ways to use technology in the math classroom, but has given a one-stop shop for accessing and utilizing resources. I have learned how to create podcasts and videos to upload to Edmodo to customize instruction, not only for each separate math class, but for individuals as well. Edmodo has offered me a platform to allow students to ask for help on specific topics without embarrassing them in class.
I saw a Prezi last year and thought how wonderful that would be to use in class. Last month, you showed us how to create a Prezi and it was easier than I had expected. I had heard of PhotoStory before, but never thought about how it could be used in a math classroom… until your workshop. I had also never heard of GeoGebra. The online resource offers many tools that can be used in each of my math classes, grades 6 through Geometry.
This has been an incredibly helpful program. I wish they would schedule KEDC to come back next year!"
Below is feedback received from some of our member districts on how KEDC's Instructional Technology PD programs are impacting teaching and learning:
CLARK COUNTY
"Our experience with KEDC's technology PD trainings have been remarkable. At Strode Station Elementary we had a physical building loaded with technology that was, basically, either not being used or not being used to it's fullest potential. Like many schools, there was also a bright young batch of new(ish) teachers who were not at Strode when the initial wave of interactive classroom technology trainings took place at the time of installation. So, these new(ish) teachers were uncertain of how to put the technology to use for their students.
KEDC worked with us to schedule one on one, embedded PD for those new(ish) teachers. What we found is that those teachers have excelled into technology leaders in their buildings. As a result, other teachers have become more inclined to reinvest in the available technologies in their own classrooms. Requests for help to our Technology Resource Teachers have also increased significantly since Tiffaney has worked with our teachers at Strode. Speaking with the principal, who is also every pleased with the ongoing results, we agree that KEDC ignited a spark in Strode Station's teachers that started with the original group participating in those focused PD's. The enthusiasm created from there spread across grades and content areas…now we're seeing an instructional technology renaissance at Strode.
From the point of view of the technology leader for the district, I could not be more pleased with the results we're reaping from our partnership with KEDC. As a district with three full time Technology Resource Teachers on staff, that specialness of working with KEDC and knowing that TRTs are readily available to provide ongoing support has, I think, empowered our teachers to grow in their confidence for integrating great technology usage and upped their willingness to incorporate instructional technology into their planning.
On the topic of planning, an additional benefit of our partnership with KEDC has been the increased focus on tying the new Common Core Standards into curriculum utilizing the available instructional technology. In short, integrating tech into learning is becoming more of a natural part of lesson planning…where 6 months ago technology use was still considered a "project."
We have thoroughly enjoyed our time working with the trainers from KEDC. Tiffaney has proven to be more than just an outside trainer, but really is viewed as more of an extended staff member. Our teachers know that she is available to guide them even after her contracted time in Strode was over. Now we're continuing our partnership with KEDC at another grade school and our high school math department. I have no doubt that those schools will experience the same high level of embedded professional development as we've already seen at Strode Station."
- Jeff Sebulsky, CIO
Clark County Schools
ROWAN COUNTY
I was VERY novice about using technology in the classroom until I attended both your job embedded PD and the workshop. As a result of your trainings (and your patience with me J) I now have confidence in using many aspects of technology. As a matter of fact, I am turning into a “techno-nerd” of sorts!
Because of your trainings:
I can create, edit and use SmartNotebook lessons within my classroom. I can even troubleshoot, somewhat. This alone has been valuable to nth degree with my kids. Remember, I didn’t even know how to turn on a Smartboard over a year ago…
I can add photos, word documents, video clips (khan Academy) and links thru Symbaloo etc to my Schoolpointe page which provides at home access for both students and parents for studying purposes. This aids in parent involvement.
I have created a blog that I used at the beginning of the year to differentiate with my accelerated students. I plan to continue with it next year.
I can proficiently use Smart Response system to provide immediate feedback to both myself and my students progress on particular concepts. I can also use Polleverywhere and Wallwisher for these purposes.
I can use Geogebra in my classroom as an interactive way to teach math (I used it to reinforce inequalities and the kids loved it).
I can create, edit and embed a Prezi to use as an instructional aid to teach a particular concept.
I can create a podcast to use as a tutorial for my kids. Next year, I want my accelerated kids to create podcasts of particular concepts to help remediate my struggling kids.
I can use Edmodo and Wikispaces as a means to network with other teachers.
I can use an Ipad to search for apps that can be used in my classroom.
I am absolutely thrilled at the progress I have made this year in technology. I look forward to the continued learning and the continued applications that these products have within my classroom. I owe my growth to the job embedded PD and the workshop. I hope there will be more opportunities for me to learn and grow next year!"
- Lynette Gillespie, 7th Grade Math Teacher
Rowan County Middle School
"The teachers have been so pleased with the information they have received during their trainings this year, they have requested additional trainings during our summer Technology Day that we organize as well as additional embedded PD during the coming school year. By working with the teachers IN their classrooms, they feel more confident and comfortable in using the strategies and techniques learned after Mike and Tiffaney are no longer there with them."
- Lucy Moore, Instructional Supervisor
Rowan County Schools
LEWIS COUNTY
"Our district had invested a lot of money into technology in the classroom. Upon taking the position of Director of Federal Programs for the 2009-2010 school year, I quickly realized we had a need for an ongoing training program.
In fall of 2009, I saw a presentation by Tiffaney at a KEDC supt meeting and decided that to not spend money on training would make much of the investment for technology hardware a waste.
The first trainings in the district were school-wide and differentiated based on level each teacher was at. In our work during the three years, we have moved towards a coaching model, where Tiffaney provides individual instruction for each teacher. Tiffaney has also moved more towards providing support to teachers in the use of blogging, EdMoto, Smart math tools and other internet and software-based tools.
Without Tiffaney’s support in acquisition, software updates and ongoing support I am confident our state of technology use would be far behind where it is."
- Kevin Duff, Director of Federal Programs
Lewis County Schools
"Tiffaney Lavoie and the technology and instructional content professional development sessions she has brought to me have been the best I’ve experienced in my career. What I have learned about how to enhance my lessons and how to make them more engaging for my students has been career-changing. Because of the resources Tiffaney has been able to provide me with, I do not work as long or as hard to prepare my units or lessons.
The work she has done in our county has been tremendous! We went from one of the most technology weak districts in the area, to one of the top! I am pleased to see the advancements in equipment and in staff knowledge and experiences, all a result of Tiffaney’s work with Lewis County. She has a vision for our county and we are fortunate to have her on our side!
Most recently, I have been attending the RMTW workshops. Wow…what I have learned how to do and what I have been able to bring back to my colleagues has been super! Not only does Tiffaney just show me how to utilize the technology tools, but she also shows me how to come back and deliver PD to our building and district staff, so we get more bang for the $. For example, in the most recent PD session for Tiffaney to present at TES, she was unable to attend, but without any notice, I was able to step in and deliver PD to our teachers, simply using the resources and knowledge I had gained from my small group sessions with Tiffaney.
Honestly, I can’t remember how I did my job before using the tools and resources Tiffaney and KEDC has shared with me. She has made me a better teacher, and a better learner. I look forward to continuing to work with KEDC."
- Crystal Thayer, Tollesboro Elementary School
Lewis County Schools
"The workshops have given me the opportunity to grow as an educator in an area where I have always felt my skills were weak. I have incorporated everything that I have learned during our sessions into my instruction to some degree. As a result, I feel that I have become more effective in the classroom. I have appreciated the opportunity to expand my knowledge, develop new skills and communicate with other educators about what I have learned."
- Sharon Gatherwright, Teacher
Lewis County Central Elementary
BOYD COUNTY
"I want to say that this has been one of the best professional development experiences I have had. I learned many new things that I was able to use immediatly in my classroom with great success.
Using the blog in my math class has been wonderful this year. The children are so engaged in the lessons when they know they will get to post answers to the blog. Blog challenge days are some of my kids favorites. Even the most hard to engage students get excited and work hard during blog challenge days. I plan to expand my blog next year to include more subjects.
I also had great success with geogebra and plan to use it even more next year. I am just getting started with prezis, but really like them.
I am sharing what I have learned with the teachers at my school and they seem very excited to learn even more. "
- Jennifer Miller, Fourth Grade Teacher
Summit Elementary
Boyd County Schools
KNOX COUNTY
"Knox County was a hosting district for the Regional Math Technology Workshop this year provided by KEDC. We started with people that have been working on curriculum revisions and included people from all schools and all grades. In the past we have paid staff members to mentor other teachers in their schools. With this training, teachers were so excited that they asked to share ideas with other staff. The first day of the training, teachers were introduced to Blogging and Edmodo. That night I was invited to several teachers sites. Although we did not need to use it this year, our district was accepted into the Snow Bound Project. Virtual snow packets were created by most teachers. On our Math Blast night (a family night to promote Math achievement) several teachers used this time with community and parents to share websites and resources with parents.
Being in our district eliminated travel costs and enabled staff to do morning/afternoon bus duty or take care of their own children.
We included people with various abilities with technology. However, you were able to address the differences experiences and grade levels by having a range of activities.
Teachers want something they can use now. Teachers need different technologies to reach students. Both of these needs were addressed by this."
- Pam Williams, Instructional Supervisor
Knox County Schools
CARTER COUNTY
"KEDC has been a tremendous help with using our instructional technology. Having someone come in a regular basis to work with the technical set-up, learning to use the technology, and using it with my students has really benefitted me in my teaching. With the assistance of KEDC, I have been able to learn technology that I have not used before and teach with it in a way that increases student engagement. Also, having someone to plan upcoming new technology endeavors is really valuable. We really like working with KEDC."
-Christina Dornon
Science Teacher
East Carter High School
HENDERSON COUNTY
"The math teachers on our Henderson County training team are excited about using the ‘new’ Web 2.0 programs they’ve learned through the KEDC workshop series this year. Each teacher has reported an increased level of engagement of their students in math classroom activities. Since most of the tools are free and immediately useful, the teachers have been able to begin implementing the workshop ideas right away. The tools can be used across content areas, so these math teachers have shared their knowledge with other teacher teams in their buildings.
It is my hope that these trainings will have a ‘trickle-down effect’ until teachers across the district in all content areas are learning to engage their students in the same manner."
- Linda Payne, CIO
Henderson County Schools
"I really believe the math technology workshop and integration of technology resources have been a great success. When I walked into our alternative school and went to a secondary math teacher’s classroom I saw students engaged in learning. Students were working on tasks at the computers, in pairs and one-on-one with the teacher. What’s great is they are eager to show outsiders what they are learning and have learned. Not only in that class but in other classrooms their instructors tell me the students ask to use their Edmodo course when they are finished with their work. Secondly, I have seen special needs students engage with the tools at our local high school as well."
- Richard Hilton, Technology Integration Specialist
Henderson County Schools
"I have truly enjoyed the Regional Math Technology Workshop sessions. They are, by far, my favorite workshop sessions to date, and I’ve been teaching 15 years. I am a ‘techie’ by heart and have wanted to use more technology in my math classroom. RMTW has not only exposed me to more innovative ways to use technology in the math classroom, but has given a one-stop shop for accessing and utilizing resources. I have learned how to create podcasts and videos to upload to Edmodo to customize instruction, not only for each separate math class, but for individuals as well. Edmodo has offered me a platform to allow students to ask for help on specific topics without embarrassing them in class.
I saw a Prezi last year and thought how wonderful that would be to use in class. Last month, you showed us how to create a Prezi and it was easier than I had expected. I had heard of PhotoStory before, but never thought about how it could be used in a math classroom… until your workshop. I had also never heard of GeoGebra. The online resource offers many tools that can be used in each of my math classes, grades 6 through Geometry.
This has been an incredibly helpful program. I wish they would schedule KEDC to come back next year!"
- Tricia Mintner, Teacher
Henderson County Schools